Thu Jul 17 20:29:48 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate a property tax scam within the Madurai Corporation, alleged to have caused a ₹200 crore loss between 2022 and 2024. The order comes in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by an AIADMK Councillor. The court cited delays in the initial investigation and concerns about political connections to the scam as reasons for needing a high-level, independent probe. The court emphasized the need to prosecute all those responsible, regardless of their position.

**News Article:**

**High Court Orders Probe into ₹200 Crore Property Tax Scam in Madurai**

**MADURAI, July 18, 2025** – The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ordered a high-level investigation into a massive property tax scam that allegedly defrauded the Madurai Corporation of approximately ₹200 crore. The scam is said to have occurred between 2022 and 2024.

The court’s decision came on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by AIADMK Councillor T. Ravi. Justices S.M. Subramaniam and A.D. Maria Clete directed the Inspector-General of Police (South Zone) and the Madurai Commissioner of Police to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a senior IPS officer with a proven track record of integrity.

The PIL alleged that information regarding the scam surfaced last year, revealing that several individuals had illicitly benefited from irregularities in the property tax system. While a complaint was filed with the Madurai Corporation Commissioner in 2024, the case was only registered seven months later, raising concerns about the thoroughness and impartiality of the initial investigation.

The court noted that there were contentions during the hearing that persons with political connections were involved in the scam, and that Zonal Chairpersons had resigned in connection with the investigations as per the instructions of the Chief Minister.

“A scam of this magnitude has to be investigated by an IPS officer,” the court stated, emphasizing that the probe must be closely monitored by higher authorities to prevent any lapses and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.

The SIT is expected to submit a report to the court, and the matter has been scheduled for further hearing next week. This development comes amid growing public concern about corruption and the accountability of public officials in Tamil Nadu.

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